More than 100 celebrate King's life in march

Though 92-year-old Rosa Hopper couldn’t walk in Monday's unity march in memory of Martin Luther King Jr., her daughter Fannie Shade drove so she could be part of it.

“I have watched African-Americans go from cotton fields to Cadillacs,” Hopper said. “I have seen people stop being racist and unite as one.”

Monday's march started at the Cleveland County Health Department and ended at Shiloh Baptist Church. Grover Street was filled with walkers and the sound of voices singing “We Shall Overcome.”

Growing up between Shelby and Lawndale, Hopper remembers having to go to the back of a restaurant to eat ice cream.

“It was a joy to see America have its first black president,” Hopper said. “I prayed and hoped that we would all work together.”

Shelby Police Chief Jeff Ledford and Shelby Mayor Stan Anthony spoke before the march and led the group to the church.

Cleveland County Schools Superintendent Bruce Boyles, Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Association Pastor James Smith and Cleveland County Commissioner Johnny Hutchins were guests at the MLK celebration at the church.

“This is not a funeral, but a celebration. We are celebrating a legacy that will live a long time and a dream that won’t die,” said Cleveland County NAACP President Pastor Dante A. Murphy. “Even though the dream has not been fulfilled, we have come a long way. America is better today because of the late Dr. Martin Luther King.”

Kelly Bell, Shelby: “I came out to recognize the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. I admire him as a man, but most of all as a man and a role model. He taught me to strive for what I want.”

Kathy Sloan, Shelby: “His legacy has lived on because we still remember and quote his speeches. Everyone is always excited about his birthday each year.”

Bobby G. Burson, Shelby: “I remember the day he was killed. I was sitting watching TV at my grandmother’s house on Grover Street and was very young. I didn’t know much about Dr. King at the time, but I knew he was a great leader. Dr. King was a great prophet and leader and had a dream that people of all color walk together.”

Leon Burries, Grover: “I came out to walk in remembrance of the March in Selma, Alabama, and to show our young people that we must not forget. We must love each other no matter if we are white, black, green or purple.”

T.J. Camp, Shelby “It’s an important day. He helped us out so we all could be equal.”

Nicole Camp, Shelby “We are here to support and celebrate. At school we learned about his 'I have a dream' speech and how he didn’t start fights.”